U.S. patent application number 16/631562 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-04 for waveform generator, system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to OWLSTONE MEDCIAL LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is OWLSTONE MEDICAL LIMITED OWLSTONE INC.. Invention is credited to Antoni Negri, Jonathan Pearson.
Application Number | 20200173962 16/631562 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59713445 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200173962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pearson; Jonathan ; et
al. |
June 4, 2020 |
Waveform Generator, System and Method
Abstract
A waveform generator configured to generate two waveforms of
opposite polarity so as to provide a voltage gain across a load.
The waveform generator has a primary side circuit comprising a
first inductor. The waveform generator has a secondary side circuit
comprising a second inductor, a first output region conductively
coupled to the load, and a second output region conductively
coupled to the load. The second inductor is inductively coupled to
the first inductor. The first inductor is conductively coupled to
the first output region so as to supply a first of the two
waveforms to the load. The second inductor is conductively coupled
to the second output region so as to supply a second of the two
waveforms to the load. A system incorporating the waveform
generator and a method of driving the waveform generator are also
provided.
Inventors: |
Pearson; Jonathan;
(Cambridge, GB) ; Negri; Antoni; (Cambridge,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OWLSTONE MEDICAL LIMITED
OWLSTONE INC. |
Cambridge
Norwalk |
CT |
GB
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
OWLSTONE MEDCIAL LIMITED
Cambridge
CT
OWLSTONE INC.
Norwalk
|
Family ID: |
59713445 |
Appl. No.: |
16/631562 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
July 16, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2018/052014 |
371 Date: |
January 16, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03K 3/57 20130101; G01N
27/624 20130101; G05F 3/08 20130101; H03K 17/687 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 27/62 20060101
G01N027/62; H03K 17/687 20060101 H03K017/687; G05F 3/08 20060101
G05F003/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 18, 2017 |
GB |
1711530.4 |
Claims
1. A waveform generator configured to generate two waveforms of
opposite polarity so as to provide a voltage gain across a load,
the waveform generator comprising: a primary side circuit
comprising a first inductor; and a secondary side circuit
comprising a second inductor inductively coupled to the first
inductor, a first output region conductively coupled to the load,
and a second output region conductively coupled to the load,
wherein the first inductor is arranged to be conductively coupled
to the first output region so as to supply a first of the two
waveforms to the load, and wherein the second inductor is arranged
to be conductively coupled to the second output region so as to
supply a second of the two waveforms to the load.
2. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two
waveforms are continuous waveforms both having the same
predetermined frequency.
3. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two
waveforms are supplied to the load at substantially the same
time.
4. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two
waveforms have a frequency of between 10 and 50 MHz.
5. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two
waveforms have a peak voltage with a magnitude of between 0.5 and
1500 V.
6. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two
waveforms have a duty cycle of less than 50%.
7. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first
terminal of the first inductor is conductively coupled to a DC
voltage source, and a second terminal of the first inductor is
conductively coupled to the first output region.
8. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 7, further comprising
a switch conductively coupled to the second terminal of the first
inductor, the switch being arranged to be activated by a drive
signal so as to control the generation of the two waveforms.
9. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the switch
is a Field Effect Transistor (FET) including a drain and a gate,
wherein the second terminal of the first inductor is conductively
coupled to the drain of the FET, and wherein the gate of the FET is
arranged to receive the drive signal.
10. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 8, further
comprising a controller arranged to supply the drive signal to the
switch so as to control the generation of the two waveforms.
11. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
waveform generator is arranged to generate the two waveforms as a
result of the switch transitioning from an ON state to an OFF
state.
12. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first
terminal of the second inductor is conductively coupled to the
second output region and a second terminal of the second inductor
is conductively coupled to ground.
13. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load
comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the
second output region is arranged to be conductively coupled to the
first terminal of the load, and wherein the first output region is
arranged to be conductively coupled to the second terminal of the
load.
14. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
first terminal of the load comprises a first electrode, and wherein
the second terminal of the load comprises a second electrode.
15. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
second output region comprises a third inductor, and wherein the
second inductor is coupled to the third inductor.
16. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
output region comprises a fourth inductor, and wherein the first
inductor is coupled to the fourth inductor.
17. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load
is an ion filter device.
18. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 17, wherein the ion
filter device is a Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer
(FAIMS).
19. The waveform generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
inductor and the second inductor are arranged such that when a
voltage of a first polarity is applied across the first inductor, a
voltage of the same polarity to the first polarity is induced in
the second inductor.
20. A system comprising: a load; and a waveform generator as
claimed in claim 1, configured to generate two waveforms of
opposite polarity so as to provide a voltage gain across the
load.
21. A method of driving a waveform generator as claimed in claim 1,
the method comprising: supplying a drive signal to the primary side
circuit; and applying a DC voltage across the first inductor.
22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein said applying the DC
voltage across the first inductor comprises increasing the DC
voltage in increments from a starting DC voltage to a target DC
voltage.
23. The A-method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said increasing
the DC voltage in increments comprises increasing the DC voltage in
increments during a number of cycles until the target DC voltage is
reached, wherein in each cycle, the DC voltage is increased in
increments from an initial DC voltage to a final DC voltage, and
wherein the initial DC voltage and the final DC voltage are
increased after each cycle.
Description
[0001] The present invention is directed towards a waveform
generator, system and method. In particular, the present invention
is directed towards a waveform generator configured to generate two
waveforms of opposite polarity so as to provide a voltage gain
across a load, a system incorporating the waveform generator, and a
method of driving the waveform generator.
[0002] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a known waveform
generator indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The
waveform generator 100 is an asymmetric waveform generator 100 and
includes a Field Effect Transistor (FET) 105 connected to a primary
winding 101 of a transformer. The transformer has two secondary
windings 103, 104 conductively coupled together and to ground G.
The two secondary windings 103, 104 are inductively coupled to the
primary winding 101 of the transformer. The transformer is
configured to deliver two waveforms 113, 114 of opposite polarity
for providing a waveform voltage gain. In more detail, a DC voltage
source 109 applies a DC voltage to the primary winding 101, and a
drive signal switches the FET between ON and OFF states so as to
generate a waveform 111 at the primary winding side. The inductive
coupling between the primary winding 101 and the two secondary
windings 103, 104 results in two waveforms 113, 114 of opposite
polarity being generated at the secondary winding side. The two
waveforms 113, 114 are supplied across a load 107. As a result of
the opposite polarity of the two waveforms 113, 114, the two
waveforms 113, 114 provide a voltage gain across the load 107.
[0003] An application of this existing waveform generator 100 is
disclose in United States Patent Application Publication No.
2016/336159. In this existing application, the waveform voltage
gain is applied across an ion filter device.
[0004] While the known waveform generator has been successful, it
is desirable to improve the performance of waveform generators at
high frequencies and voltages. It is desirable to reduce the
effects of parasitic capacitance on waveform generators. It is
desirable to improve the frequency range within which the waveform
generators may effectively operate.
[0005] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a
waveform generator with improved performance, or at least to
provide an alternative waveform generator.
[0006] According to the present invention there is provided an
apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other
features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent
claims, and the description which follows.
[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a waveform
generator configured to generate two waveforms of opposite polarity
so as to provide a voltage gain across a load, the waveform
generator comprising: a primary side circuit comprising a first
inductor, and a secondary side circuit comprising a second inductor
arranged to be inductively coupled to the first inductor, a first
output region conductively coupled to the load and a second output
region conductively coupled to the load, wherein the first inductor
is arranged to be conductively coupled to the first output region
so as to supply a first of the two waveforms to the load, and
wherein the second inductor is arranged to be conductively coupled
to the second output region so as to supply a second of the two
waveforms to the load.
[0008] Here, "voltage gain across a load" means that the amplitude
of the voltage supplied across the load is larger than the voltage
supplied to the waveform generator. The voltage supplied across the
load may be between 6 and 8 times as large as the voltage supplied
to the waveform generator.
[0009] Here, an element being "conductively coupled" to another
element means that electrical energy may be transferred between the
two elements by means of physical contact via a conductive medium.
Conductive coupling contrasts with inductive coupling and
capacitive coupling. The conductive coupling may be provided by a
wire, resistor, common terminal or metallic bonding, for
example.
[0010] Here, an element being "inductively coupled" to another
element means that a change in current in one element induces a
voltage across the other element through electromagnetic
induction.
[0011] The waveform generator of the first aspect has a first
inductor conductively coupled to the first output region of the
secondary side circuit, and a second inductor conductively coupled
to the second output region, and at the same time the first
inductor and the second inductor are inductively coupled to one
another. This contrasts with the existing waveform generator where
there is only an inductive coupling between the primary side
circuit and the secondary side circuit.
[0012] The conductive coupling of the first inductor to the first
output region of the secondary side circuit means that there is a
current path between the first inductor and the load. This means
that current may flow directly from the first inductor to the load
via the first output region.
[0013] Surprisingly, by conductively coupling the first inductor to
the first output region of the secondary side circuit, the waveform
generator of the first aspect has been found to reliably produce
stable, high voltage waveforms at high frequencies. It has been
found that the waveform generator of the first aspect can produce
sharp transitions between the troughs and the peaks of the
waveforms. In addition, it has been found that the waveform
generator of the first aspect has reduced ringing effects. It has
also been found that the waveform generator of the first aspect is
able to operate effectively over a range of frequencies.
[0014] Further advantageously, the waveform generator of the first
aspect has a simple design because multiple secondary windings are
not required. In addition, the waveform generator of the first
aspect is understood to have limited parasitic effects, and so is
able to operate at low power. The waveform generator may be
portable/battery powered.
[0015] The two waveforms may be continuous waveforms both having
the same predetermined frequency.
[0016] The two waveforms may be supplied to the load at
substantially the same time.
[0017] The two waveforms may have a frequency of between 10 and 50
MHz. The two waveforms may have a frequency of between 15 to 30
MHz. The two waveforms may have a frequency of 23 MHz.
[0018] The two waveforms may have a peak voltage with a magnitude
of between 0.5 and 1500V. The two waveforms may have a peak voltage
of between 100 and 500 V. This means that a peak voltage of between
200 and 1000V may be applied across the load. The two waveforms may
have a peak voltage with a magnitude of between 175 and 250 V. The
two waveforms may have a peak voltage that is selected based on the
desired voltage to be supplied to the load.
[0019] The two waveforms have a duty cycle of less than 50%. This
means that the generated waveforms are asymmetric. The two
waveforms may have a duty cycle of between 20 to 40%. The duty
cycle may be selected based on the desired duty cycle to be
supplied to the load.
[0020] A first terminal of the first inductor may be conductively
coupled to a DC voltage source. A second terminal of the first
inductor may be conductively coupled to the first output region. In
this way, a current path may be formed from the second terminal of
the first inductor to the load via the first output region. Current
may flow directly from the first inductor to the load via the first
output region.
[0021] The waveform generator may further comprise a switch
conductively coupled to the second terminal of the first inductor.
The switch may be arranged to be activated by a drive signal so as
to control the generation of the two waveforms.
[0022] The switch may be a Field Effect Transistor (FET). The
second terminal of the first inductor may be conductively coupled
to the drain of the FET. The gate of the FET may be arranged to
receive the drive signal. The source of the FET may be conductively
coupled to ground.
[0023] The waveform generator may further comprise a controller
arranged to supply the drive signal to the switch so as to control
the generation of the two waveforms.
[0024] The waveform generator may be arranged to generate the two
waveforms as a result of the switch transitioning from an ON state
to an OFF state.
[0025] A first terminal of the second inductor may be conductively
coupled to the second output region. A second terminal of the
second inductor may be conductively coupled to ground. In this way,
a current path may be formed between the first terminal of the
second inductor and the load via the second output region. Current
may flow directly from the second inductor to the load via the
second output region.
[0026] The load may comprise a first terminal and a second
terminal. The second output region may be arranged to be
conductively coupled to the first terminal of the load. The first
output region may be arranged to be conductively coupled to the
second terminal of the load.
[0027] The first terminal of the load may comprise a first
electrode. The second terminal of the load may comprise a second
electrode.
[0028] The second output region may comprise a third inductor. The
second inductor may be coupled or conductively coupled to the third
inductor. The second inductor and third inductor may be coupled or
conductively coupled together in series. The third inductor may be
coupled or conductively coupled to the load. The third inductor may
have a first terminal coupled or conductively coupled to the first
terminal of the second inductor. The third inductor may have a
second terminal coupled or conductively coupled to the load. The
second terminal of the third inductor may be coupled or
conductively coupled to the first terminal of the load.
[0029] The first output region may comprise a fourth inductor. The
first inductor may be coupled or conductively coupled to the fourth
inductor. The first inductor and fourth inductor may be coupled or
conductively coupled together in series. The fourth inductor may be
coupled or conductively coupled to the load. The fourth inductor
may have a first terminal coupled or conductively coupled to second
terminal of the first inductor. The fourth inductor may have a
second terminal coupled or conductively coupled to the load. The
fourth inductor may have a second terminal coupled or conductively
coupled to the second terminal of the load.
[0030] The load may be an ion filter device.
[0031] The ion filter device may be a Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility
Spectrometer (FAIMS).
[0032] The first inductor and the second inductor may be arranged
such that when a voltage of a first polarity is applied across the
first inductor, a voltage of the same polarity to the first
polarity is induced in the second inductor.
[0033] The first inductor and/or the second inductor may comprise
non-magnetic, thermally conductive coil formers. The non-magnetic,
thermally conductive coil former may help reduce generation of heat
in the waveform generator and improve manufacturing tolerance. The
coil former may be threaded to ensure that the coil is placed in
the same place each time it is wound. The coil former may be
connected to one or more other heat sink components. This means
that the waveform generator may be cooled via a direct cooling
method, such as a single fan.
[0034] The first inductor and the second inductor may have a
windings ratio of 1:1.
[0035] According to a second aspect, there is provided a system
comprising: a load; and a waveform generator as claimed in any
preceding claim configured to generate two waveforms of opposite
polarity so as to provide a voltage gain across the load.
[0036] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of
driving a waveform generator as described in relation to the first
aspect, the method comprising: supplying a drive signal to the
primary side circuit; and applying a DC voltage across the first
inductor.
[0037] Applying the DC voltage across the first inductor may
comprise increasing the DC voltage in increments from a starting DC
voltage to a target DC voltage.
[0038] Increasing the DC voltage in increments may comprise
increasing the DC voltage in increments during a number of cycles
until the target DC voltage is reached. In each cycle, the DC
voltage may be increased in increments from an initial DC voltage
to a final DC voltage. The initial DC voltage and the final DC
voltage may be increased after each cycle.
[0039] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how
embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying
diagrammatic drawings in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an existing waveform
generator;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example waveform
generator according to the first aspect;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another example waveform
generator according to the first aspect;
[0043] FIGS. 4 to 8 are plots showing example simulation results of
the waveform generator according to FIG. 3;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another example waveform
generator according to the first aspect;
[0045] FIGS. 10 to 12 are plots showing example simulation results
of the waveform generator according to FIG. 9;
[0046] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an example load that the
waveform generator of the first aspect is arranged to supply
waveforms to;
[0047] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of another example waveform
generator according to the first aspect;
[0048] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an example system
according to the second aspect; and
[0049] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an example method
according to the third aspect.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a waveform generator
according to the first aspect and indicated generally by the
reference numeral 200. The waveform generator 200 is configured to
generate two waveforms 211, 213 of opposite polarity so as to
provide a voltage gain across the load 207.
[0051] The waveform generator 200 comprises a primary side circuit
comprising a first inductor 201.
[0052] The waveform generator 200 comprises a secondary side
circuit comprising a second inductor 203, a first output region 231
conductively coupled to the load 207 and a second output region 233
conductively coupled to the load 207. The second inductor 203 is
arranged to be inductively coupled to the first inductor 201. That
is, the second inductor 203 is positioned in proximity to the first
inductor 201 such that there is an inductive coupling between the
first and second inductors 201, 203.
[0053] The first inductor 201 is conductively coupled to the first
output region 231 so as to supply a first 211 of the two waveforms
211, 213 to the load 207. The second inductor 203 is conductively
coupled to the second output region 233 so as to supply a second
213 of the two waveforms 211, 213 to the load 207. The first and
second output regions 231, 233 in this example are conductive wires
that are conductively coupled to the load 207. In this example, the
first inductor 201 and the second inductor 203 are both
conductively coupled to the load 207 via the first and second
output regions 231, 233.
[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first waveform 211 is
shown as having a peak voltage with a positive polarity. The second
waveform 213 is shown as having a peak voltage with a negative
polarity. Across the load 207, the two waveforms 211, 213
additively combine to supply a peak voltage to the load 207 which
is the sum of the magnitude of the peak voltages for the two
waveforms 211, 213. For example, if the peak voltage of the first
waveform 211 is +250V and the peak voltage of the second waveform
213 is -250V, the two waveforms 211, 213 additively combine to
produce a peak voltage of +500V across the load 207.
[0055] The first terminal 202a of the first inductor 201 is
conductively coupled to a DC voltage source 209. The second
terminal 202b of the first inductor 201 is conductively coupled to
the first output region 231 which is in turn conductively coupled
to the load 207. In addition, the second terminal 202b of the first
inductor 201 is conductively coupled to a switch 205. The second
terminal 202b of the first inductor 201 is conductively coupled to
one terminal of the switch 205, and another terminal of the switch
205 is conductively coupled to ground G.
[0056] The switch 205 is activated by a drive signal which means
that the switch 205 transitions between ON and OFF states depending
on the drive signal.
[0057] The switch 205 being activated by the drive signal controls
the generation of the two waveforms 201, 203. In particular, when
the switch 205 is in the ON state, current flows through the first
inductor 201. When the switch 205 transitions to the OFF state, a
voltage rises across the first inductor 201. The first inductor 201
and the second inductor 203 are arranged such that when a voltage
of a first polarity is applied across the first inductor 201, a
voltage of the same polarity is induced in the second inductor 203.
As a result, the voltage rising across the first inductor 201
causes a voltage having the same polarity to be induced in the
second inductor 203.
[0058] The waveform generator 200 may further comprise a controller
(not shown) that is arranged to supply the drive signal to the
switch 205 so as to control the generation of the two waveforms
211, 213.
[0059] The first terminal 204a of the second inductor 203 is
conductively coupled to the second output region 233 which is in
turn conductively coupled to the load 207. The second terminal 204b
of the second inductor 203 is conductively coupled to ground G.
[0060] The load 207 comprises a first terminal 208a and a second
terminal 208b. The first terminal 208a comprises a first electrode
208a, and the second terminal 208b comprises a second electrode
208b. The first terminal 208a of the load 207 is conductively
coupled to the second output region 233 which is in turn
conductively coupled to the first terminal 204a of the second
inductor 203. The second terminal 208b of the load 207 is
conductively coupled to the first output region 231 which is in
turn conductively coupled to the second terminal 202b of the first
inductor 201.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown another example of the
waveform generator 200 according to the first aspect. In this
example, the switch 205 is a Field Effect Transistor (FET) 205, and
in particular is a Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET (MOSFET) 205. The
second terminal 202b of the first inductor 201 is conductively
coupled to the drain 205a of the MOSFET 205. The source 205b of the
MOSFET 205 is conductively coupled to the ground G. The gate 205c
of the MOSFET 205 is arranged to receive the drive signal. The
other components of the waveform generator 200 of FIG. 3 are the
same as the waveform generator 200 of FIG. 2. The same reference
numerals have been used in FIG. 3.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8 there are shown the results of a
simulation of the waveform generator 200 according to FIG. 3. It
will be appreciated that these figures show just an example
simulation and are just used to highlight an advantageous operation
of the waveform generator 200. In this example simulation, the
drive signal applied to the gate 205c of the MOSFET 205 had a
frequency of 25 MHz, a duty cycle of 20%, and a peak voltage of 7V.
The DC voltage 209 supplied to the first inductor 201 has a value
of 60V.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a plot 300 of the
voltage waveform applied across the load 207 as a result of the two
waveforms 211, 213. The voltage waveform has peaks of approximately
530V and troughs of approximately -60V. It will be appreciated that
a high, stable, voltage waveform has been generated at a high
frequency.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a plot 330 of the first
waveform 211 that is supplied to the second terminal 208b of the
load 207. The first waveform 211 has peaks of approximately 300V.
The peaks in the first waveform 211 correspond with the peaks in
the voltage waveform applied across the load 207 as shown in FIG.
4.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a plot 350 of the second
waveform 213 that is supplied to the first terminal 208a of the
load 207. The second waveform 213 has the opposite polarity to the
first waveform 211 as shown in FIG. 5. The second waveform 213 has
peaks of approximately -230V. The peaks in the second waveform 213
correspond with the peaks in the first waveform 211 as shown in
FIG. 5 and with the peaks in the voltage waveform applied across
the load 207 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown a plot 370 of the voltage
across the MOSFET 205. Referring to FIG. 8 there is shown a plot
400 of the first and second waveforms 211, 213 superimposed over
one another. In reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, it can be seen that the
peaks in the first and second waveforms 211, 213 are a result of
the MOSFET 205 transitioning from the ON to the OFF state. In
addition, it can be seen that the first and second waveforms 211,
213 are of opposite polarity, and a result cooperate together to
produce a larger voltage gain across the load 207. The voltage gain
is equal to the sum of the absolute values of the voltages for the
first and second waveforms 211, 213.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown another example waveform
generator 200 according to the first aspect. In this example, the
second output region 233 comprises a third inductor 215. The second
inductor 203 is conductively coupled to the third inductor 215
which is in turn conductively coupled to the load 207. The first
terminal 204a of the second inductor 203 is conductively coupled to
the first terminal 214a of the third inductor 215. The second
terminal 214b of the third inductor 215 is conductively coupled to
the first terminal 208a of the load 207. In this example, the first
output region 231 comprises a fourth inductor 217. The first
inductor 201 is conductively coupled to the fourth inductor 217
which is in turn conductively coupled to the load 207. The second
terminal 202b of the first inductor 201 is conductively coupled to
the first terminal 218a of the fourth inductor 217. The second
terminal 218b of the fourth inductor 217 is conductively coupled to
the second terminal 208b of the load 207. The other components of
the waveform generator 200 of FIG. 9 are the same as the waveform
generator 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3. The same reference numerals have
been used in FIG. 9.
[0068] While not being bound to any particular theory, the added
third inductor 215 and/or fourth inductor 217 resonate with the
capacitance of the load 207. The addition of the third inductor 215
and/or fourth inductor 217 result in narrower waveform peaks 211,
213 with a higher peak voltage. This results in a higher voltage
being generated across the load 207 for the same input DC voltage
209 and MOSFET 205. The waveform generator 200 of FIG. 9 may have a
reduced operational frequency range as compared to the waveform
generator 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, slightly more ringing
artefacts on the waveforms may be expected than in the waveform
generator 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, there are shown the results of
a simulation of the waveform generator 200 according to FIG. 9. It
will be appreciated that these figures show just an example
simulation and are just used to highlight an advantageous operation
of the waveform generator 200. In this example simulation, the
drive signal applied to the gate 205c of the MOSFET 205 had a
frequency of 25 MHz, a duty cycle of 20%, and a peak voltage of 7V.
The DC voltage 209 supplied to the first inductor 201 has a value
of 60V.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a plot 430 of the
voltage waveform applied across the load 207 as a result of the two
waveforms 211, 213. The voltage waveform has peaks of approximately
700V and toughs of approximately -60V. It will be appreciated that
the peaks of the waveform are higher and narrower than the waveform
shown in FIG. 4.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a plot 450 of the first
waveform 211 that is supplied to the second terminal 208b of the
load 207. The first waveform 211 has peaks of approximately 370V.
The peaks in the first waveform 211 correspond with the peaks in
the voltage waveform applied across the load 207 shown in FIG.
10.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a plot 470 of the
second waveform 213 that is supplied to the first terminal 208a of
the load 207. The second waveform 213 has the opposite polarity to
the first waveform 211 as shown in FIG. 11. The second waveform 213
has peaks of approximately -330V. The peaks in the second waveform
213 correspond with the peaks in the first waveform 211 as shown in
FIG. 11, and with the peaks in the voltage waveform applied across
the load 207 as shown in FIG. 10.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown an example load 207.
The load 207 is an ion filter device 207, and in particular is a
Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer (FAIMS) 207. FAIMS 207
may be used to distinguish charged gaseous molecules according to
differences in the speed that the molecules move through a buffer
gas under the influence of an oscillating electric field.
[0074] The FAIMS 207 comprises two electrodes 208a, 208b in the
form of parallel plates 208a, 208b which are spaced apart so as to
define a channel 219. The first parallel plate 208a is conductively
coupled to the second output region 233 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 9). The
second parallel plate 208b is conductively coupled to the first
output region 231 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 9). The waveform generator 200
(FIGS. 2, 3, and 9) applies the two waveforms 211, 213 (FIGS. 2, 3
and 9) across the parallel plates 208a, 208b which results in an
alternating electric field being applied across the channel 219. In
this example, the applied waveforms 211, 213 are asymmetric
waveforms, meaning that the duty cycle is less than 50%.
[0075] In an example application, vapour from a sample to be
analysed is first ionized, and then passed through the channel 219
between the two parallel plates 208a, 208b. During the periods when
the waveform applied across the parallel plates 208a, 208b has a
positive polarity, the ions will drift in one direction at a
velocity based on the ions individual mobility in that electric
field. As the applied waveform reverses in polarity, the ions
change direction and speed based on the new electric field
conditions. As the mobility of the ions during the two parts of the
waveform is rarely equal, there is usually a net drift towards one
of the parallel plates 208a, 208b. In the FAIMS 207, this net drift
is corrected for by applying an additional DC voltage, known as the
compensation voltage, focussing specific ions through the FAIMS 207
to the detector.
[0076] In the example shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that three
ions 491, 493, 495 are introduced into the channel 219 between the
two parallel plates 208a, 208b. The ions 491, 493, 495 follow a
generally saw-tooth trajectory due to the application of the
alternating waveform to the two parallel plates 208a, 208b. Due to
the different mobility behaviours of the three ions 491, 493, and
495 under the influence of the electric field, and in particular
due to how the mobility of the ions 491, 493, and 495 vary with the
electric field strength, each of three ions 491, 493, 495 follow a
different trajectory in the channel 219. The trajectory of two of
the ions 491, 493 collide with the parallel plates 208a, 208b. The
ion 495 has the appropriate compensation voltage applied, meaning
that its trajectory traverses the channel 219 of the FAIMS 207. By
scanning through a range of magnitudes of waveforms applied to the
parallel plates 208a, 208b, and a range of compensation voltages,
and by recording the ion current at each magnitude/compensation
voltage value, the FAIMS 207 can be used to generate information
about the different compounds present in a sample.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown another example
waveform generator 200. In this example, a compensation voltage is
applied to the FAIMS 207. The first terminal 208a of the FAIMS 207
is conductively coupled to a first DC compensation voltage source
241. The second terminal 208b of the FAIMS 207 is conductively
coupled to a second DC compensation voltage source 239. In this
way, a DC compensation voltage is applied across the FAIMS 207. The
first output region 231 comprises a first capacitor 235. The first
capacitor 235 has a first terminal 234a conductively coupled to the
second terminal 202b of the first inductor 201, and a second
terminal 234b conductively coupled to the second terminal 208b of
the FAIMS 207. The second output region 233 comprises a second
capacitor 237. The second capacitor 237 has a first terminal 236a
conductively coupled to the first terminal 204a of the second
inductor 203, and a second terminal 236b conductively coupled to
the first terminal 208a of the FAIMS 207. The other components of
the waveform generator 200 of FIG. 14 are the same as the waveform
generator 200 of FIGS. 2, 3, and 9. The same reference numerals
have been used in FIG. 14.
[0078] The first capacitor 235 and the second capacitor 237 may be
selected such that they do not have a significant effect on the
waveform voltage generation. For example, the first and second
capacitors 235, 237 may have a high capacitance of 10 nF or more so
as to cause only a small voltage drop. The first and second
capacitors 235, 237 are provided to block DC current flowing to
ground G via the MOSFET 205 or the second inductor 203 as a result
of the applied DC compensation voltages. As the first and second
capacitors 235, 237 are arranged in series with the FAIMS 207, and
have high capacitance values, they have a minimal effect on the
performance of the waveform generator 200.
[0079] The first and second capacitors 235, 237 may be combined
with the third and fourth inductors 215, 217. That is, the first
output region 231 may comprise the fourth inductor 217 and the
first capacitor 235 connected in series. Either the first capacitor
235 or the fourth inductor 217 may be conductively coupled to the
second terminal 208b of the load 207. In addition, the second
output region 233 may comprise the third inductor 215 and the
second capacitor 237 connected in series. Either the second
capacitor 237 or the third inductor 215 may be conductively coupled
to the first terminal 208a of the load 207.
[0080] The present invention is not limited to waveform generators
200 for FAIMS 207. Instead, it will be appreciated that the
waveform generator 200 of the first aspect is ideally suited for
the generation of waveforms for FAIMS 207. This is at least because
the waveform generator 200 according to the first aspect is able to
generator stable, high peak voltage waveforms, with a high
frequency, and with sharp transitions between the troughs and the
peaks of the waveform. In addition, as the waveform generator 200
of the first aspect can be operated at lower power due to reduced
parasitic effects, it is ideally suited for battery operated, and
portable, FAIMS 207.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown an example system
according to the second aspect and indicated generally by the
reference numeral 500. The system 500 comprises the waveform
generator 200 and the load 207, which may be a FAIMS 207.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown an example method
according to the third aspect for driving a waveform generator 200
according to the first aspect.
[0083] In step S101, the method comprises supplying a drive signal
to the primary side circuit. The drive signal may be supplied to
switch 205 (FIGS. 2, 3 9, and 14), and may, in particular, be
applied to the gate 205c of the MOSFET 205 (FIGS. 3, 9 and 14). The
drive signal may have a duty cycle of less than 50%.
[0084] In step S102, the method comprises applying a DC voltage
across the first inductor 201 (FIGS. 2, 3, 9 and 14). This may
comprise increasing the DC voltage in increments from a starting DC
voltage to a target DC voltage.
[0085] An example method of driving the waveform generator 200
(FIGS. 2, 3 9, and 14) when the waveform generator 200 is used to
supply waveforms to a FAIMS 207 will now be explained.
[0086] In this example, the drive signal supplied to the primary
side circuit has a frequency of 25 MHz, a duty cycle of 25% and a
peak voltage of 6V.
[0087] Initially, the DC voltage supplied to the first inductor 201
has a magnitude 0 V. During the time the magnitude is 0V, the
compensation voltage is scanned through a range of values to allow
different ions to pass through the channel 219 (FIG. 13).
Measurements are taken for each compensation voltage.
[0088] The DC voltage is then increased to 10 V. During the time
the magnitude is 10V, the compensation voltage is again scanned
through the range of values. Measurements are taken for each
compensation voltage.
[0089] The DC voltage is increasing in increments of 10V until the
target voltage, which in this case is 60V is reached. During each
increment, the compensation voltage is scanned through the range of
values and measurements are taken.
[0090] In this way, the method may drive the waveform voltage to
generate a range of compensation voltages during each increment of
the applied DC voltage. This allows for the FAIMS 207 to identify
different ions in a sample.
[0091] In another example, increasing the DC voltage in increments
may comprise increasing the DC voltage in increments during a
number of cycles until the target DC voltage is reached. In each
cycle, the DC voltage may be increased in increments from an
initial DC voltage to a final DC voltage. The initial DC voltage
and the final DC voltage may be increased after each cycle. For
example, a first cycle may be 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40V, and a second
cycle may be 1, 11, 21, 31 and 41V, subsequent cycles will follow
the same pattern until the desired target DC voltage (e.g. 60V) is
reached. In this example, the cycling of the DC voltage helps to
minimise the effect on the spectra from any systematic noise or
drift. This may be as a result of charge build-up on the FAIMS
electrodes 208a, 208b.
[0092] The described and illustrated embodiments are to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been
shown and described and that all changes and modifications that
come within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims
are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the
use of words such as "preferable", "preferably", "preferred" or
"more preferred" in the description suggest that a feature so
described may be desirable, it may nevertheless not be necessary
and embodiments lacking such a feature may be contemplated as
within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims. In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words
such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are
used to preface a feature there is no intention to limit the claim
to only one such feature unless specifically stated to the contrary
in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and/or "a
portion" is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire
item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
[0093] In summary, there is provided a waveform generator 200
configured to generate two waveforms 211, 213 of opposite polarity
so as to provide a voltage gain across a load 207. The waveform
generator 200 has a primary side circuit comprising a first
inductor 201. The waveform generator 200 has a secondary side
circuit comprising a second inductor 203, a first output region 231
conductively coupled to the load 207, and a second output region
233 conductively coupled to the load 207. The second inductor 203
is inductively coupled to the first inductor 201. The first
inductor 201 is conductively coupled to the first output region 231
so as to supply a first 211 of the two waveforms 211, 213 to the
load 207. The second inductor 203 is conductively coupled to the
second output region 233 so as to supply a second 213 of the two
waveforms 211, 213 to the load 207. A system 500 incorporating the
waveform generator 200, and a method of driving the waveform
generator 200 are also provided.
[0094] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as
defined in the appended claims.
[0095] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are
filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in
connection with this application and which are open to public
inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such
papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0096] All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or
all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be
combined in any combination, except combinations where at least
some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0097] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0098] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed.
* * * * *